Imbolc: Behold the Return of the Sun

The wheel of the year turns now to the coming of Spring and the shedding of Winter. It is Imbolc, Midwinter, and the face of the Goddess returns to her maidenhood. Here in the Northeast we are facing the threat of another snow storm--winter has not yet had its final say.

The days have been getting longer, the sun a little warmer in between bouts of snow. If you walk outside and listen hard enough you can almost feel and hear the trees and grasses stirring. Spring is coming. Geese are coming back. Birds are hailing the return of the sun. In our hearts we can feel the seasons changing and it brings us hope.

This is the time of year to think about resolutions. Generally we made those around January 1st--bright promises to lose weight or get a new job or buy a new car--but by now reality has set in and let us know if we were a little too ambitious. Now is the time to light the candles and open a window to let some fresh air in after the dark winter. We are looking forward to this year and all that comes with it.

This is the day of Brigid, mother of the flame and of poetry, healing, smithcraft, and midwifery. We honor her this day and light the sacred flame:

We honor you blessed mother, waters of life being renewed
We honor you young stag and sun child, eagerly awaiting your coming
The Sacred Wheel Continues to Turn,
We are reborn in the light of the new day

As a Pagan in modern times it is essential for me to connect with the energies of life and earth around me which keep me grounded. All too often we are running so fast we forget to stop and feel what our mother is saying to us in her own way--Spring is coming. Life is returning. The darkness is subsiding and my children can rejoice once more. Modern practices allow us to remember the symbolism of ancient rites. I light a white candle on this day to represent the Goddess and her sacred flame, reminding me to take the time to breathe and rejoice in the coming of the new day.